A Guide to Local Argentine Cuisine
Posted in South America, World Cuisine on September 24, 2013
If you’re new to Argentina and want to get to grips quickly with the local cuisine, then here’s some you can try right away when you get here;
Empanadas
Photo credit; Evelyn Proimos
Empanadas in Argentina are similar to what we would call ‘pasties’ back home in the UK. They are essentially pastry with a filling. Usually the fillings are meat of some sort, with beef and chicken being the most popular choices, however it’s also popular for some vegetables to be added or to have combinations such as cheese and ham inside. One of the main reasons why Empanadas are so popular here in Argentina other than their taste is that they are usually very cheap to buy. I’ve found them in places for as little as 5 ARS (£0.54 / $0.87 / €0.64) , although out in Buenos Aires they’re usually closer to 10 ARS (£1.08 / $1.73 / €1.28) per Empanada.
Argentine Steak
Photo credit; Elgaard
You can’t come to Argentina and not have at least one Argentinian steak (unless you’re vegetarian of course!) The country is known for its beef produce and you’ll also find buying a steak dinner in particular is a lot cheaper here than it is in the UK or Western Europe for example. I’ve found many places serving good quality steaks at around 72 ARS (£7.79 / $12.48 / €9.25) in the city centre. Where I come from in the UK to get the same quality you’d expect to pay at least double that figure!
Dulce de leche
Photo credit; audinou via Flikr
Dulce de leche is a real favourite among local Argentinians and is essentially sweet milk which is then caramelized and (usually) put onto biscuits or a small cake as a sweet snack/treat. They kind of go a bit crazy over here for it and it’s sold everywhere. It’s definitely something I recommend for those with a sweet tooth!
Mate
Photo credit; Usuario Barcex
Mate is a traditional South American tea like drink that is very popular in Argentina. It’s prepared by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water and is consumed using a metal straw called a bombilla. The bombilla acts as both a staw and a sieve and is a large part of what makes the experience of drinking mate unique in comparison to drinking ordinary tea.
Malbec
Photo credit; AppleSister via Flikr
Malbec is a purple grape wine that is known for it’s deep colour and fruity flavour. The Mendoza region in particular is a large producer of Malbec but you’ll find it served in shops and restaurants all over the country. It’s particularly popular to have a glass of Malbec to accompany something like an Argentine steak.
– So far these have been the main local favourites that I’ve found to be popular in Argentina when it comes to traditional Argentinian food and drink, but if you have any more you’d like to share please do so in the comments!
If I said I never wanted to go to Argentinia that would be a massive LIE! However I have never wanted to go their more then at this moment, after reading this post!
I love love love empinadas!!! Though Im a big fan of Pastys in the UK and I guess you could say the good ol meat pie in Australia too!
Yeh the Empanadas are awesome Rebecca! Especially given that they are so cheap too! 🙂
Wow it look so yummy, Argentine food are really influenced by Europe…
Great information!
Argentina is particularly famous for its beef influenced by Europe (Mediterranean), especially i like especially steak and veggies for its yummy taste.